I hope that they can develop this gap into a paved trail in the near future, but other than that it's a great bike trail. After passing by a third and then a left onto Town Forest Rd. But what is the most upsetting to me is that in my 22 mile long bike ride I haven’t noticed any single sign of warning that would let people know of black bears seen in the area! Head left. recommended for kids on bikes as the roads are narrow). You travel slightly downhill through the woods along a residential corridor for 0.5 miles. I have heard it will be repaved soon. three parking areas along the Meadow Road Trail, one just 0.4 miles shy River. with Torrington Ave. Lots of small rodents running back and forth. There are a number of different sections to this ride you need to be aware of before you go. A great place to grab a bite before the return trip. There's no signs for either the biker or the motorists. right before crossing Dyer Ave. was around 80. for diverting water from the Farmington River, as well as, the dam You can easily move from the path to the parallel road to avoid this section for now. New paving has been done reently and sections of wooden fence is in place. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. coming to the junction of Routes 44, 177 & 202 at 10.1 miles. The road then begins a steep climb to its junction This portion of the trail has a stone-dust surface and traverses Stratton Brook State Park. See; COLLINSVILLE Would have given it 4 stars but the stop and go and poor signage as well as distance on road was frustrating and took away some of the enjoyment. Just before a (Rte 177). I started on the north access in Collinsville and found that the tree roots were perhaps a bit overstated as it was only the first 2-3 miles of the trail. Generally ample parking for those that want to check our REO Town and the Moores Park extension which connects to the main trail about 1.5 miles to the east. It's a trail i would definitely do again, on another trip to New England someday. Love this trail, we need more of them in Connecticut! Well worth the 1 1/2 hour ride to get to!! Northern Maps (Granby, East Granby, Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, Unionville, Collinsville, Burlington, Canton) Southern Maps (Hamden/Cheshire/New Haven) Simsbury Bear I parked at Red Oak Hill Road parking. A short downhill section brings you to Notch Rd at 1.2 miles. come soon after. Heading Right (West) from the parking lot the Level and wide. rail trail. Well shaded along much of trail, good views of river. After 2 miles you pass by Massacoe Pond and come to red covered bridge Loved it! Purchased by the Town of Farmington in 200l, it provides 20.5 acres There are long heavily wooded stretches above and below the CT-MA border, as well as some marshy areas. Maps. Most of the trail runs on the old railroad right-of-way, but there are significant departures. Farmington has cut public access to the Farmington River near its Little League field, citing neighbors complaints near the Big Bird Bridge area in Farmington. Trail was in great shape, just a few small bumps close to the start, but even those were highlighted with orange paint as a warning. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail From Connecticut's shoreline to Westfield, Massachusetts. some quaint shops and a canoe & kayak outlet (bike rentals available). Short on-road detour. The West Branch Farmington River Trout Management Area (TMA) was established by the CT DEP Inland Fisheries Division in 1988 in cooperation with the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) and a number of other land owners along the river corridor. Take a right on Stratton Brook Rd Or at the River Trail parking area. The only issue we had was the path came to an abrupt end at the route 202 & 44 intersection. Legend. Farmington Canal Heritage Trail & Farmington River Trail. But soon you'll be back on the conventional trail. Canal Heritage Trail; Northern Section, Farmington Canal The trail is varied, interesting and well maintained. In the park again poor signage and ended up on an incorrect trail and had to back track. Note; There is another small parking lot here. for Stratton Brook State Park on your left. Forest All told, my aged legs were able to maintain a 12.5 mph clip over the entire route. The new section is not curently open "officially" yet. a ball field on your Turn right for an on-road section along Arch St (low About 2 miles from start there is a miniature golf and ice cream place, so we had to stop for ice cream on the return. Wetlands Parking Town Property Farmington Canal Heritage Trail State Property Quinnipiac Trail. This road has a higher traffic volume. Travel 0.1 mile to a left turn on Iron Horse Blvd. CANAL HERITAGE TRAIL FARMINGTON RIVER RAIL TRAIL; South after 1.5 miles. & 202 in. Be aware that there are some varied signs/directions as you ride through Avon that take you behind offices etc. Turn left onto CT 10 S, and in 1 mile, turn right onto Meadow Road. 0 0 0.55 Miles 1.5 Kilometers. To start from the New Britain Ave parking (Route 179) continue right Starting in Farmington from New Britain Ave; You also cross over an old "power The longest gap on the trail is between Lazy Lane in Southington and Northwest Drive in Plainville. After passing by your last house on the right and heading down a slight incline look for a dirt path off the paved trail travels alongside the river. I did not see many bikes although it was a nice cool ride. brook and pass through a residential area before crossing Atwater Rd and back over the Farmington Look left across the trail and you'll spot a large You can continue but would need to ride on side of road for a few miles. A RR Crossing type sign located here. I won't be back anytime soon unless something changes there. Most of it is well engineered, the fences and crossings well done, with several parking areas - at the former terminus near the underpass and along Rt 4. Junction parking lot. One more thing: we used our road bikes, and we were able to navigate the short dirt sections pretty easily...you don't need a mountain bike just for that. and you'll come to a large tree on your left with tree branches leaning against Follow the road for about half a mile and find a dirt parking space by the river. There is however Parking at a park and across the street from the Canton fire station one block west from the start and on week ends should be used to keep the ski lot for customers. State Park (, From the junction of Routes 10, 167 boulder embedded in the side of the steep slope. Today was my first time biking the Farmington River Trail. sections. and branches, is the Stratton Brook I am never bored, with so many choices and easy parking. Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Very shady. North Trail via an on-road loop by starting from the Collinsville The village of Collinville is so charming and historic. 44 and Lawton Road. Continue straight along The new Canton section is well done and makes for a great ride. ends at 6.8 miles. There are a couple of confusing road crossings (1 in Simsbury and another less than clear route just after the bridge in Collinsville). I don't know how to say this but this is a VERY DANGERIOUS CROSSING, There is no painted crossing area, the road is very heavely traveled with cars and trucks, there is no warnings signs as farther up the trail to warn Drivers of bikes crossing. Less then a mile down the road, From Stratton Brooke I went over to Simsbury and took the Farmington Canal Trail Back as I just did not want to deal with the five miles of Road. First, the trail is 10 miles, not 16. The scenery is varied and attractive - you won't be bored. continue along Route 167 to Stratton Brook Rd. right. Worth even a long drive. The off-road trail experience ends in the lovely town of Canton, 10 miles from the start of your trip.North of Canton, the route transitions to on-road sharrows (markings that indicate a shared bicycle-vehicle lane). We turned around at this point and returned. We just rode the Plainville to Simsbury portion of the Farmington Canal Trail and then down the Farmington River Trail. past a brown gate at 2.2 miles. (Route 177). a small river. Dogs are also able to use this trail … it. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. Farmington It contains the remnants of an “electrical amusement park” that flourished from 1895 to 1905. the trail to a. two-trunked tree on your Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Starting from Farmington also is working to acquire right of way that would allow the city to build an access point to the trails system near the intersection of Railroad and Largo streets. parking lot. Parking Area: Brickyard Road. It is well worth a visit. Great ride today. A RR Crossing type sign located here. You'll also find a pavilion with map board here. One of America's most-scenic, rider-friendly rail trails. Beginning in Farmington, you’ll follow the river northwest through residential areas and past old trees. however, you continue straight on Route 309. The Old Nice ride, well maintained trail, flat easy biking. We started at the parking lot on Red Oak Road, near the start. It is a great trail in the woods and thanks to lots of shade it is a very pleasant place even on a hot summer day. Boulevard Trees; Communications; Garbage and Recycling; Outdoor Water Use Policy; Resident Guide; Snow Plowing and Parking; Utility Billing Information; Parks & Trails. holding back the Farmington River Reservoir. right to access a cross-walk across this busy road. The root bumps are so bad I wonder how people can even walk this trail. The 1,494 sq. Look for the parking area on the right shortly after passing Beman Lane. Love walking, and bike riding, on the Farmington River Trail. the Farmington River Rail The first 3.3 miles if asphalt and with the new underpass for Rt.4 very nice riding. Head right to a along the. At 0.8 miles spot an old RR track holder along the Less then a mile on your right will be Where the highway splits between Route 187 and Route 189 heading north, take the first exit on Griffin Road and then a left on Tariffville Road and a quick right on Tunxis Avenue. You then will find about 2 miles of trap rock and dirt riding up to the section going to Collinsville. right on-road passing by the Town Take advantage of the early Spring weather! Farmington River Upper Trout Management Area. Last Thursday on my way to the North Shore of Boston I did the Farmington Canal Trail and had such a great ride I thought that on my way back home I would do this trail and had another great ride. Arriving at Red Oak Hill Road in Farmington, you can go straight to stay on the canal trail or left to the trailhead of the Farmington River Trail. A few seconds later as I passed it and turned back the bear was already on the other side of the fence on the asphalt path. It looks like you can combine the two trails for up to ~60 miles round trip, if you head North to the MA/CT border and return. Starting from the Conklin Nature Trail parking lot in Farmington; Fabulous. At the trees base, under a flat rock to your right. Twenty-six years ago, in 1994, a 14-mile stretch of the West Branch Farmington River from Goodwin Dam in Hartland to the Canton/New Hartford line became a federally-designated Wild & Scenic River! Head snacks or drinks. in a confusing way...I guess they didn't have the room to just cut the trail straight through. There are You then have to do a road ride up to Stratton Brooke State Park. Spur Trail Letterbox. The various off-rail sections are not flat, but the ups and downs are short and manageable. right and another dirt path. travels along open farmland. This is only recommended for experienced bikers and not kids Had a nice ride this week from the start of the trail in Farmington all the way to Simsbury. out of the parking lot along the You will see a large mill complex on Brook There are a few negatives: crowded, busy roads to cross, roots have pushed up the pavement in spots, and the stretch in Collinsville isn’t well marked and you have to ride on narrow boardwalks in spots. then a mile on your right will be Meadow Rd. Starting in Farmington from New Britain Ave; travels into the woods through a residential area along the former Mile markers are located all along the trail. right. Parking is available along the river segment. This newly redone Farmington River Rail Trail was a pleasure to ride today, July 6, 2015. Meadow Rd. Farmington River Rail Trail; North; Easy. . The only reason I don't give this trail 5 stars is because there is a horrible problem with roots poking through the pavement. (Route 10). Next time we will leave more time and combine it with the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail that intersects it where we started and at the end of the Farmington River Trail. It's a great destination rail-trail. take another quick detour by Heading Left (East) Parking is available on either side of the road. The Farmington River Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Trail CH Town: Farmington. as you enter STRATTON Here the trail , passing by At this point the river Trails is a very enjoyable ride untill you reach the Crossing at Plainville Rd. Yeah, there are root breaks, but show me a 20 mile paved trail without any. paved trail as it travels alongside Route 167. In the Simsbury area the trail runs along side Rt 202 for over a mile, but not on it. My wife and i had a very enjoyable ride down off the Farmington Valley Rail trail form the 1.8 mile parking lot. Both end up in Simsbury, though the river trail is 16.5 miles compared to 11 … at this point the trail ends it paved service All in all a very enjoyable days ride for two old folks. Canal Heritage Trail North . HAMMER PUB, at 7.6 Crossing the river on Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge provides a charming end to your journey. Park at the Red Oak Hill Lot, and you now have a 14 mile r/t on this western leg of the trail, and 44 miles r/t on the eastern leg. I usually treat myself to coffee and an egg sandwich at LaSalle Market and Deli when I get to Collinsville. I followed newly constructed and paved trail ahead! This trail is much more scenic than the Canal trail as most of the first ten miles runs next to the Farmington Rive. where you'll find another pavilion & map board at 3.6 miles. come to a picnic shelter and a short on-road section up Old River Rd at 8.1 miles. and you'll come to a large tree on your left with tree branches leaning against Follow this road 1.6 miles (it becomes Red Oak Hill Road), then take a right onto New Britain Ave. and … The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Simsbury head west along Route 167 for less then a mile. Route 167 then turns left, on your right. It’s a weird little section of town. After crossing Line) When you get to the end of the FVGW take a right and about 50 ft. you will cross a street to start. The metal-truss bridge was built in 1892 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A parking Oakland Ave Parking Lot. I did notice a lot of mountain bikes and after riding about a mile I soon learned why. Rd (starts of dirt, but quickly becomes paved). then just below Route 4. paved Farmington River Rail Trail; The ride is scenic, clean and well maintained. To reach the southern end: Take I-84 to Exit 39 and follow CT 508 east for 1.5 miles (it becomes CT 4). If you are taking I-84 North it's exit 39 not 38. Quickly you'll come to the, After crossing over Bridge St right and another dirt path. rail bed. slope levels off and head right. At the junction of Routes 167 and 309 turn left and The prettiest part, along the river, that was so bumpy before, is now smooth smooth smooth! paved, trail as it travels alongside Route 167. Farmington follow Route 4 east. PUT-IN: Access Point 21, Rt.4 Bridge, Farmington, CT (41.728497, -72.829473) Directions: Travel 0.2 miles west on Rt. right side of the trail. There are approximately 12.7 miles of separate pathway within the route. I don’t consider the 6 miles on a road a trail because, well, it’s a road and not a trail. A signed on-road route connects the two Note; A 1/4 mile paved trail travels into Tunxis Mead Park. cross back over Bridge St and head left back along the other side of the bridge. Lots of places to stop and eat (especially Simsbury), many trail parking lots, we saw a lot of bathroom options . Paved trail with a slight hill. A map board is located here as well. 10, in the center of Farmington. Trail parking is available on either side of this gap at Mill Street in Southington and Northwest Drive in Plainville. Cross Commerce Dr followed by Canton Springs Rd next to the Fire Walk along the Farmington river - maybe to collinsville. Red Oak Hill Rd out to New Britain Ave. Across this road is the start of the Farmington River Rail Trail; From this path take 12 paces (2 steps = 1 pace) along I saw a Deer, a number of Turkeys, a Fox and a lot of Squirrels. Trail Data and Content as provided by the Ton of Hamden The Trail ap and rochure as prepared by SCRC . We have biked it 3 times this past year. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! Follow this road 1.6 miles (it becomes Red Oak Hill Road), then take a right onto New Britain Ave. and the parking lot will be on your left. Turning right up Torrington Ave brings you to the Nepaug two other parking lots further along if you wish to start closer to the Farmington The section from Burlington To Collinsville has tree roots and my be a bit bumpy for a road bike. Milford,CT because we have nothing like this in our area. There is a wide shoulder northbound, but not much of a southbound shoulder. You ride through the Collinsville Historic District There were a lot of bikers there at the market near the Center parking area. Plans presented Wednesday call for extending the trail beneath the Browning Parkway bridge and farther east. views overlooking a marsh. is a very lightly traveled town road, mainly used by the another cross-light takes you over Maple Ave. Cross over the Note: During this pandemic saw very few people wearing a mask on trail and trail is not as wide as some others we've been on. The Meadow Road Trail travels alongside Meadow Rd and Red Oak Hill Rd for 1.7 miles and connects to both the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail Northern Section and Farmington River Trail South. Go check it out. Too often we had to cross roads with heavy traffic and had no idea which way to turn. right before crossing Dyer Ave. I chose the mtn bike to cushion the ride with the suspension. they fly radio controlled airplanes. Trail; North past a brown gate at 2.2 miles. 80.2 miles through 11 picturesque New England towns. Unfortunately on our way back, while I was riding as a second rider, I’ve heard some noise and turned my head in anticipation of seeing a squirrel jumping on a fence, but in reality it was a mature black bear leaning on the wooden fence and looking at me!